Health Protocols and Vaccination as the Main Requirement to Realize Safe XX National Games and XVI PON Papua

Kapanlagi.com - The 20th National Sports Week (PON) and the 16th National Paralympic Week (Peparnas) were officially opened on October 2, 2021, after being postponed for 1 year due to the pandemic. Minister of Communication and Information Technology Johnny G. Plate said that this will be recorded in Indonesia's history that this country is able to hold a grand national event amidst the pandemic.

Not only that, Minister Johnny also stated that PON XX and Peparnas XVI Papua are present to strengthen the values of unity and equality of the Indonesian nation through sports. This event will be the first largest sports competition held in Indonesia during the pandemic.

"We show the world that we are able to hold this national sports event. The slogan 'Torang Bisa!' is the embodiment of our spirit to succeed in PON XX and Peparnas XVI Papua safely with health protocols and vaccination," said Johnny, Saturday (2/10/2021).

Prove the Progress of Papua

Minister Johnny added that in the midst of the pandemic situation, PON and Peparnas are present to strengthen the values of unity and equality of the nation through sports. "PON and Peparnas also show the progress of Papua, including its infrastructure," he said.

Carrying the theme of Mentari Harapan Baru dari Timur (The New Sun of Hope from the East), PON and Peparnas bring the spirit of change for all. The hope for a new future is echoed from the East of Indonesia. Like the sun rising in the morning, that's how PON and Peparnas ignite the spirit of building the future, strengthening the identity of the Indonesian nation, and uniting the hearts and love of the Indonesian people.

Health and Safety are the Top Priorities

Minister Johnny emphasized that in the implementation of PON and Peparnas, the health and safety of all parties involved are the top priority. Therefore, the government emphasizes that regulations for all parties involved in PON & Peparnas, including spectators, must have received two complete doses of vaccination.

Minister of Communication and Information, Johnny, said that to ensure the health aspect is maintained, the government will strictly enforce health protocols and strengthen the healthcare system. In addition, the government ensures that healthcare facilities are complete and can meet the needs during the implementation of PON XX and Peparnas XVI in Papua.

With all these preparations, Papua is ready to host PON and Peparnas. Moreover, according to Minister Johnny, this also shows that Indonesia is ready to hold even larger events, including international ones.

"Let's welcome together PON XX and Peparnas XVI Papua, the New Sun of Hope from the East. We can do it!" exclaimed Johnny.

(kly/tmi)